Jun 9 It Could Have Been Much Worse

Being a parent is one of the coolest gifts God has given to us. However, there have also been a few terrifying moments of parenthood and I am sure there are many more to come.

When my youngest turned six months old, he began showing off his newly learned skills of sitting up by himself and rolling around everywhere. My husband and I were starry-eyed and in awe of our little boy.

One day our son was sleeping in our bed for his evening nap, I was downstairs changing the laundry and my husband sat working on his computer only a few feet away from our son. When I came back up to our room I was startled to see my husband clutching onto our son whose face was buried in daddy’s chest. My husband looked at me with big eyes and said,

“It could have been much worse!”

My husband reenacted the scenario, showing me how our son rolled off the edge of the bed just as my husband was turning around to check on him. My husband dashed towards him in a panic, reaching out his strong arm, catching our son inches before he would have hit the wood floor face first.

My poor baby had no idea that he was so high up from the floor. Thankfully, my husband was alert and ready to be there to catch him when he fell. (Note to new parents: be aware of where you place your baby to rest and triple check to make sure it is safe for them!)

As my husband shared with me the dramatic replay, my heart wilted from the fear of what could of happened. However, it did not take long for it to be revived, encouraged by the fact that our son was not hurt. Daddy was there for him!

It reminded me of when Peter was called out to walk on the water with Jesus, but unfamiliar with the circumstances he began to fall. Yet, with such close proximity to Jesus, scripture says,

"Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him." - Matthew 14:21

I want to encourage you today as a parent, because I know there are times that you have felt like you have fallen. Maybe you didn’t realize your circumstances or the affect of your choices. This is for you...

God is our Father!

“I will be a Father to you,

and you will be my sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty.” - 2 Corinthians 6:1

And just like my husband was able to catch our son, God is there for you and for me, to catch as when we fall!

The Lord makes firm the steps

of the one who delights in him;

though he may stumble, he will not fall,

for the Lord upholds him with his hand. - Psalm 37:23-24

God is our Father and He loves us so much. God is always ready to catch us when we fall and catch our children when they fall. He reaches out His strong arm, He catches us and He comforts us. I hope this brings encouragement to your heart and family today!

Jennifer Smith began UnveiledWife.com, a web-based ministry for wives, in March 2011. She publishes weekly marriage articles including encouragements, devotions, and prayers of the day. She authored The Unveiled Wife, Wife After God, and 31 Prayers For My Husband. Jennifer is devoted to encouraging wives all around the world to develop God-centered marriages. Connect with Jennifer on social media @unveiledwife!

Jennifer Smith began UnveiledWife.com, a web-based ministry for wives, in March 2011. She publishes weekly marriage articles including encouragements, devotions, and prayers of the day. She authored The Unveiled Wife, Wife After God, and 31 Prayers For My Husband. Jennifer is devoted to encouraging wives all around the world to develop God-centered marriages. Connect with Jennifer on social media @unveiledwife!